Friday, October 25, 2013
PS4 Firmware Update To Add New Features To The Upcoming Console

Sony will release an essential day one system software update version 1.50 for PlayStation 4 (PS4) system simultaneously with the official North American launch of the system on November 15, 2013.

The PS4 system offers powerful graphics and speed, integrated social capabilities, and second-screen features utilizing devices such as the PlayStation Vita (PS Vita) system.

The system software update 1.50 will be approximately 300 MB, and will include the following features:

Remote Play
Users will be able to access PS4 titles displayed on their living room
TVs and play them on a PS Vita system over Wi-Fi networks by using PS4
Link (Depending on network environment or titles, remote play
performance may vary outside of the home). Sony anticipates that most PS4
titles will be playable on the PS Vita system through Remote Play. The
latest PS Vita system software version, to be released soon, will be
required to use PS4 Link.

Second Screen
Users can use the PS4 Link application for the PS Vita system, and
PlayStation App for iPhone, iPad, and Android-based smartphones and
tablets, to use these devices as second screens in supported titles.
PlayStation App has the ability to enable users to interact with games
with their mobiles devices. For example on The Playroom, a title
pre-installed in all PS4 systems that requires PlayStation Camera, users
can draw pictures on their mobile device screens and flick them towards
the TV. The images then appear as a 3D object within the game.

Record, take screenshots, and upload gameplay effortlessly
The PS4 system provides dedicated, "always on" video encoding systems
that enables seamless uploading of gameplay. Users can share their gameplay by hitting the Share button on DualShock 4, take
screenshots or scan through the last 15 minutes of gameplay, tag it and
return to the game - the video uploads as the user plays. At the PS4
system's launch in North America, users will be able to share their
images and videos with friends on Facebook and screenshots with
followers on Twitter, though users will need to sign up for individual
accounts to use Facebook and Twitter.

Broadcast and spectate gameplay
The PS4 system also enables users to
broadcast their gameplay in real-time to game fans around the globe,
using Ustream and Twitch live internet streaming services (users will
need to sign up for individual accounts to use Ustream and Twitch).
There are two ways for users to view live broadcasts. First, the Live
from PlayStation application on PS4 aggregates streams from all
PlayStation users. Second, users can spectate friends' PS4 gameplay from
PCs, and applications such as Ustream, Twitch, and browsers, which are
installed on their mobile devices. These applications can be easily
started up via PlayStation App, and users can also use these
applications to post comments to gameplay broadcasts. Furthermore, users
with PlayStation Camera can stream camera images and microphone sounds
along with their live gameplay broadcast.

Play as you download
This feature enables users to play supported digital titles as they are
being downloaded. The time it takes to begin playing will vary depending
on game data size and network environments, and not all titles will
support this feature When a game is purchased, users can start playing
after PS4 downloads a portion of the data, while the rest of the game is
downloaded in the background during actual gameplay. Games may be
downloaded in stand-by mode.

Multi log-in
A maximum of four users can log-in to a single PS4 system
simultaneously. These players can use their own save data to play games,
and also earn trophies on their own Sony Entertainment Network accounts
even when playing a multiplayer game together on a single PS4 system.

Party (Voice chat)
By using the Mono Headset bundled with the PS4 system, users will be
able to chat with up to eight friends enjoying different applications or
games. Furthermore, users can use Party to chat between PS4 and PS Vita
systems.

Face recognition and voice commands
Users with PlayStation Camera will be able to register their facial
image onto their PS4 system, and login to their system using facial
recognition instead of DualShock 4. Furthermore, users can use either
the microphone of the Mono Head set connected to DualShock 4, or
PlayStation Camera to navigate through the PS4 home screen (PlayStation
Dynamic Menu) with voice commands to start up games and shutdown the
system, among other features; please refer to PS4's online manual for
recognizable voice commands.

Background music player
Users can enjoy gameplay while listening to music in the background with
Music Unlimited, a cloud-based digital music service. Users can also
voice chat with friends while listening to music.

Online Multiplayer
PlayStation Plus members will be able to play PS4 titles online with
other players via the network. PS Plus makes it easy for members to join
available online multiplayer matches in a variety of ways, including
the ability to join a game from a live stream broadcast or Party
voice chats.

Blu-ray Disc and DVD player
Users can enjoy gaming on their PS4 system, but also Blu-ray
and DVD video contents. When using for the first time, users must
connect to the internet to activate this feature.

Some features will not be available at launch, such as
"suspend/resume mode" which is a feature that keeps the PS4 system in a
low power state and promptly takes users back to their game. Sony said it would
provide additional information about system software update version 1.50
and features available at the PS4 system's North America launch, and
features that will be available in the near future.